Threats are everywhere, and not expected to decrease. All over the world, individual and state actors seek to attack businesses of every size–malware and ransomware via phishing emails, denial of service attacks, and other intrusions. Read on to learn how you can keep your cyber shield up and your business protected.

 

CISA and Your Company

 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a part of the United States’ Department of Homeland Security, leads the nation’s work in protecting the cybersecurity ecosystem, and helps protect critical resources undergirding American society. It helps organizations “prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks.” Even in times of relative peace, bad actors still attempt to breach the cyber defenses of businesses of all sizes. Small and medium-size businesses are often particularly targeted, since attackers know they may not have the same level of security as a government agency or large corporation. In addition, they also target managed service providers, to whom small to medium-size businesses outsource their infrastructure. However, when MSPs and SMB’s work together, and enlist the help of the CISA, they can put up a strong shield against cyberattack.

 

Partner With Your Technology Advisor

 

To lower risk, consider implementing robust network monitoring and work with clients to ensure that the infrastructure is monitored and well-maintained. While you can play a role by assessing your own risks you can also work with your technology advisor to mitigate those risks. Require multi-factor authentication for everyone accessing the network, update software and operating systems, and perform continuous backup of critical data and systems, among other practices. Remember, if and when a cyberattack occurs, the affected party should submit information about the incident (including nature and severity) to CISA, which will analyze the attack and share incident information with other entities. By doing so, they can discover trends in malicious activity, and help many companies stay safe.

 

Everyone plays a part in developing and maintaining a strong cyber shield. For help with your cybersecurity plan, contact your trusted technology advisor today.